THE Shire of Mundaring has conditionally approved a development application for tourist and visitor accommodation in Helena Valley comprising four ‘glamping’ tents with a maximum occupancy of eight guests.

Situated at 3-5 The Crescent, the proposed development includes shared visitor amenities, a communal deck area, toilet facilities, ancillary storage, seven onsite parking bays and an onsite effluent disposal system.

Mundaring chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker said conditions of approval included compliance with an operational management plan, relevant bushfire requirements and the retention of significant vegetation on the site.

“These conditions address a number of matters raised through the community consultation process,” Mr Whiteaker said.

He said the applicant continued to work with the shire to obtain any further approvals required for the proposed effluent disposal system, and would be required to operate in accordance with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

Project manager for the eco-tourism development Gonzalo Sepulveda said the project was intentionally designed with a relatively light construction footprint using prefabricated accommodation structures and minimal site disturbance.

“The development uses a ‘touch the ground lightly’ philosophy retaining all significant habitat trees, minimising site disturbance and blending into the existing landscape rather than dominating it,” Mr Sepulveda said.

“Over the past year we’ve worked closely with planning consultants, environmental specialists, bushfire consultants, engineers and tourism professionals to ensure the project meets a high standard of environmental performance, guest experience and operational management.”

He said he believed the project was an excellent fit for the area because it celebrates exactly what makes the Perth Hills special; its bushland, wildlife, walking trails and outdoor lifestyle.

“Our vision is to create a premium boutique eco-retreat offering visitors an authentic Perth Hills experience within 30 minutes of the Perth CBD and 15 minutes from the airport,” Mr Sepulveda said.

“Rather than competing with traditional caravan parks or large hotels we aim to support the growing adventure, recreation and cultural tourism market already established in the hills.

“Our goal has never been to build a holiday park but rather a small, carefully managed eco-retreat that complements the character of the Perth Hills.”

He said the region boasted many attractions including the Bibbulmun track, Munda Biddi trail, John Forrest national park, the Kalamunda mountain bike trail network and the Railway heritage trail, making it ideal for such a development.